Rodeo Austin, Where Weird Meets Western

It’s almost spring time, and that means it’s the start of festival season. Being from Austin, when it comes to spring festivals, we think SXSW, but a lot people often forget about the overshadowed Rodeo Austin. For the last two weeks of March, cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world come to Austin to compete in one of the largest rodeos in the nation. Accompanied by nearly 100 live musical performances, a BBQ cook off that will make you salivate from two counties over, and rivaling attendance compared to SXSW, it’s insane that this event is overshadowed.

This year, Rodeo Austin is starting things off a little different, with its newest production, Kick Open the Chutes – Party on the Dirt. The opening event provides a behind the scenes look at what it’s like to walk on the dirt of a real rodeo arena and stand inside the barrel like a true rodeo clown. There will be rodeo games, silent auction, two live concerts, a cash bar, and food for purchase provided by local food trucks. The event will be held on Friday March 15th, and the entrance fee is an affordable $20.

Throughout the remainder of the festivities, professional rodeo events will take place each day followed by a musical performance. The musical performers this year represent many genres ranging from Texas country artists like Parker McCollum to hip-hop acts like Flo Rida. On top of that, Rodeo Austin has plenty for the kiddos. With this being Austin’s largest rodeo and carnival, there is plenty to go around for everyone.

Trust me, I know when you think of Austin the rodeo isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s flat out worth it. Rodeo Austin is where the tie dye meets the saddle, the love meets the grit, and the weird meet the western. So, if you’re not burnt out from SXSW or just need a change of pace from all of the gentrification, Rodeo Austin is an event you shouldn’t miss.